Nicole M Ellis – Physiotherapist | Burlington, ON

Nicole M Ellis is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at SMILE Therapy for Kids in Burlington, ON, Nicole Ellis is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Nicole Ellis's focus is providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Nicole Ellis serves infants, children, and adolescents.

Nicole M Ellis completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2019). With clinical experience, Nicole Ellis is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Nicole Ellis has a particular interest or further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Nicole Ellis employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Nicole Ellis utilizes a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Nicole Ellis maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Nicole Ellis offers consultations in English.

Nicole M Ellis provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: A 'pulled' muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or sudden changes in direction, causing immediate pain and difficulty using the muscle.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. Diagnosis for physiotherapist is based on individual assessment, so if your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Nicole Ellis can assess your needs.

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Nicole Ellis, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Physiotherapists in ON and the standards set by The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

At SMILE Therapy for Kids, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Nicole Ellis frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• If trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury is preventing you from fully enjoying playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids, Nicole Ellis offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Nicole Ellis believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee is hindering your ability to getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting, a personalized plan focusing on enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation can make all the difference.
• Patients often come to Nicole Ellis feeling defeated by recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities and resuming actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Nicole Ellis frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim). A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Nicole Ellis, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Nicole Ellis practices at SMILE Therapy for Kids, located in the Headon Forest, Palmer neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is conveniently located near Burlington Beach and is accessible via Burlington Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics for most Ontarians. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand your plan specifics. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If SMILE Therapy for Kids offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

Patients in ON can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans *do* require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

How can I book an appointment at SMILE Therapy for Kids?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (289) 337-5599 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiotherapist will work with you. They'll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

SMILE Therapy for Kids
3228 South Service Road, Suite 108
Burlington, ON, L7N 3H8

Phone: (289) 337-5599

Nicole M Ellis is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Physiotherapy Act, 1991 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Registration Number: XXX43

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=7dad9ab9-21d3-e911-a812-000d3af42f4a

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.